"We want to give greater confidence to the pedestrians and cyclists who use our roads and encourage more people to switch to sustainable forms of transport."

But Keith Peat, regional co-ordinator of the Association of British Drivers, said changing the speed limit was counter productive because "drivers who would have selected a slower speed naturally would now be more concerned about getting points and focussing on the speedometer instead of their windscreens, watching out for pedestrians and children".

Tony Armstrong, chief of Living Streets, which campaigns for pedestrians and public spaces, said: "Camden Council's enlightened proposals are most welcome and have our support.

"Introducing a 20mph limit is probably the single biggest measure to create safer streets."